Down-to-earth, deeply practical and always brings me joy STEVE LEGG
WITH LUCAS APPLYING GOD’S WORD TODAY
JANUARY – MARCH 2025
First Things First
We dedicate this edition of Life with Lucas to the memory of our dear friend and colleague Steve Legg, who passed away in September 2024 after a lengthy journey with a cancer diagnosis. Steve, his wife Bekah and their lovely family responded to the huge challenges with trust, faith and humour. Steve continued his wider ministry almost until the end, passionately and authentically sharing the good news about Jesus and the sure and certain hope that galvanised his heart. As project manager for Life with Lucas, Steve encouraged us at the beginning to embark on this publishing ministry. We miss him so much, but are grateful for the great reunion to come. Please pray for Bekah and their family in their journey of grief that is mingled with the hope of Christ. Well done, Steve. Well done.
A WORD FROM JEFF
WELCOME TO LIFE WITH LUCAS!
VIDEO INTRODUCTION lifewithlucas.co.uk /intros
Visiting the ancient ruins of the city of Ephesus is a breathtaking experience. It was a blisteringly hot day, with little shade for relief as we picked our way through the city. For me, this place was more exciting than even the breathtaking sights of Rome. To stand in the same stadium where the crowds screamed for Paul’s blood, and to look up at the restored library, with its secret passage to the brothel (men would tell their wives they were dropping off parchments, when they actually had other things in mind) made me realise what an epic battle was fought in Ephesus by the early Christians, as they took their stand for the radical message of Jesus. Here Paul, sensing an ‘open door’ in the city for the gospel, spent nearly three years as a pastor/teacher. Other well-known disciples preached there, including Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos and, according to tradition, John the Apostle. Over the next three months we will focus on this city, the ruins of which are in modern Turkey. We’ll consider the story of the church there that’s recorded in Acts, and then study the letter Paul wrote, probably while in prison in Rome, to the followers of Jesus in Ephesus. We’ll conclude by briefly reflecting on the words delivered by the Apostle John, in the letter to the seven churches of Revelation. As we wander back through the centuries, let’s consider the example and challenges of this community who sought to walk with Christ in a cosmopolitan and confusing metropolis. May we be encouraged to renewed faithfulness. It’s our turn to be faithful where we live. And thank you so much, as always, for joining me!
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© Novio Published 2024 by Novio – Life With Lucas, PO Box 239, Unit 3 Burnt Oak Farm, Heathfield, TN21 1EH, UK All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of Novio. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version® (US version), The “NIRV”, “New International Reader’s Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. Design by Piero Regnante – Rogfog Creative | rogfog.co.uk Printed by Halcyon
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INTRODUCTION
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE WITH LUCAS! CHOOSE A TIME Find the best time that works for you, ideally the same time, same place every day, when you can concentrate and have the least number of distractions. PAUSE AND TALK TO GOD Take a moment to focus on God and ask Him to speak to you as you read and reflect on His word. READ GOD’S WORD Read the daily passage from your Bible. Don’t be tempted just to skip this part. It’s important: who knows how the Holy Spirit might speak to you as you read the actual text? MAKE NOTES
ONLINE VIDEO INTRODUCTIONS, AND GOING DEEPER When you see the video icon, this points you to a brief Video Introduction to the subject. Make the most of the occasional Going Deeper resources when you see this icon. They will help you delve further into the passage. GIVE YOUR DAY TO GOD Thank God for what you’ve learned and ask for help if the day’s notes brought to light anything especially applicable to your life at the moment.
Writing slows you down and helps you focus. Write in your Bible, a notebook, or in the white space in the devotions. Don’t hesitate to underline, write in the margins, or circle words. 5